After missing out on the 2020 European Championship on penalties, England find themselves within reach of glory yet again. After a heartbreaking end to their European campaign three years ago, Gareth Southgate ‘s men are up against Luis de la Fuente‘s Spanish contingent in the final. The showdown, set to kick-off at 12:30 am IST at Olympiastadion Berlin will offer Harry Kane and his teammates a shot at redemption.
Ahead of the final, England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice spoke to the press. The 25-year-old touched on various topics before zeroing in on how a victory in the final will change his and his teammates’ lives. The player was visibly heartbroken as England lost to Italy on penalties in the previous campaign.
Finals are about staying locked in for 90 or 120 minutes. The lads know that this is go time and that it's do or die. We don't want to leave anything in the changing room. We want to change our lives. Declan Rice said in a press conference
“The lads know this is go time. This is do or die”
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) July 13, 2024
“We won’t leave anything in the changing room”
“We’re ready to change our lives forever”
This Declan Rice speech will have you HYPED for tomorrow evening
https://t.co/yM7wDOWPSO pic.twitter.com/CMRspTn5SC
Rice has been crucial to Southgate’s starting line-up at the Euros. Having played every minute of every game at the Euros, it is unlikely that Southgate will not include him in the squad to face Spain.
Declan Rice has been a reliable candidate for Gareth Southgate in midfield. He is one of the very few outfield players that have played every minute up until the final for The Three Lions. In a recent interaction with the press, Rice opened up about his partnership with Manchester United’s very own Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
After starting the tournament on the bench for England, Mainoo has managed to force himself into the starting line-up as the tournament progressed. The teenager was one of England’s best players as they beat the Netherlands to reach the final. Mainoo has proceeded to cement his spot in midfield as Rice’s trusted partner in the middle of the park.
️ Full quotes by Declan Rice on Kobbie Mainoo:
— ’ ✍ (@TenHagBall_) July 13, 2024
“You can just see. You speak to him and just feel his calm presence that he has and what I like about him is that he is not scared to say it how it is.”
"There was something towards the end [against the Netherlands] when he gave… pic.twitter.com/NGVZoA72NU
What I like about him is that he's not afraid to say things as it is. We had bit at each other for a mistake against the Netherlands, but that's what I love about him. At 19, I can't imagine any other player who'd say that to his teammates. Declan Rice told Hayters
However, Rice and Mainoo will be in for a long night against Spain. La Roja boast one of the best midfields in International football.
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